People line up at a gas station in New Jersey just days after Hurricane Sandy hit the area. Photo: Getty Images

NEWARK — New Jersey is suing another seven hotels and three gas stations suspected of price gouging during Hurricane Sandy.

That brings to 18 the number accused of illegally overcharging and taking advantage of customers.

The attorney general’s office says the hotels named in suits announced Wednesday are collectively accused of committing more than 1,000 instances of price gouging. The state alleges the hotels charged more than $400 per night in some instances, and excessively increased rates by more than 200 percent.

The three gas stations include one that allegedly raised the price of regular gasoline by 80 cents to $4.50 per gallon. That was a 22 percent increase above pre-storm prices.